This July (2007)our family will be taking a southwest tour. We will fly into Vegas then proceed to the South Rim of the GC, onto Zion, then to Bryce. We are very excited about visiting the National Parks and spending time in the natural settings. When we leave Las Vegas we will be driving across the Hoover Dam on our way to GC. My question, is the tour of the dam worthwhile or should we skip it? They say it takes about 2 hours. We will be very excited about getting to the GC. I have a 4 year old and an 8 year old. Will they find it interesting or boring? Thanks for all of your suggestions. I couldn't find anything on prior postings.

If you have never seen the inside of a power producing dam, yes you should go. Your 4 year old may get a bit bored but the 8 year old should eat it up, and you will have a better appreciation of where your lights get their power.

You're the best one, and in fact the only one who can answer that question. If you're the type who is interested in machines, engineering, mega-structures, etc, and you wish to impart that interest on your family then by all means Hoover tour is a must see.

If, however, when you're watching TV and you pass the discovery channel when they're showing things like Hoover you or your family hurriedly skip over them then you have your answer.

Thanks for the input. Honestly we've watched several shows on the Hoover Dam and enjoyed them. I'm sure my 8 year old would benefit from the visit, she's already asked several questions about the dam. Thanks again!

Even if your 4 year old gets bored on the tour, you might be amazed at how much they can tell you about it in years to come. Those little ones can absorb an amazing amount of information.

Hello smmccurry, although I was not exactly enthused when we visited the Hoover Dam I really enjoyed the tour! I was surprised. So if you have the time and inclination (and it sounds like you do) I would take the tour.

Try to get there as early as possible as it can be very hot at HD that time of year. It was interesting (my then 13 yr. old son liked it), and the 8 year old may like it. As others have said, I think the 4 year old may get bored.

Hello, i'm going on a trip to Vegas this August (2007) and I too was wondering about the Hoover Dam. I'm sure i will find it fascinating, (not sure about my friends) but I really want to see it. How much does the tour cost, and what does it include? Also, should I buy tickets early, or can i get them there, or would my hotel in Vegas have some? Any ideas or advice on this? Thanks!!!

It has been years since we did it but we thought the tour of the inside of the dam was interesting and worth the time.

The scale of the dam is impossible to imagine unless you've been inside. Truly worth a trip.

The dam is wonderful; go down in it.. ride the mules at Bryce and hike at least park of the Navajo loop zigzags. UTAH is the best.mc

Thanks to all for your suggestions. I think we will take the tour. It looks like it's self-guided so we can always skip parts that no one is interested in.

Spainard - You can buy tickets online at http://www.usbr.gov/lc/hooverdam/

I would highly recommend it! It was fascinating. A great little side trip from the strip. GO EARLY!!! get there before the onslaught of tour buses--you won't have to wait...
Linda

Also, check out the restrooms at the Dam and the hardware on the doors, etc. All of it is original Art Deco. I thought that was as interesting as the Dam itself.

The Dam is really awesome!

Is Lake Powell and the Glen dam on your itinerary? You can take the Glen tour instead.